Rome

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Italia

A March 2005 trip to Rome by leopardgrrrl88

Inside the ColosseumMore Photos

This journal highlights a nine-day visit to Rome. It tells about the Colosseum, Pantheon, St. Peter's in Chains, and more.

  • 13 reviews
  • 33 photos

Bettoja Nord Nuova Roma HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Nord Nuova Rome"

Architecture
The rooms in this hotel were decent, but were not by a long shot the nicest of the hotels I stayed at in Europe. Like many European hotels, this one did not have air-conditioning. The bathroom was nice and actually had a real shower. The beds were uncomfortable, though. Also, being in the heart of the city, there is noise 24 hours a day, making it difficult to sleep. While the room was not exceptional, they serve a very nice breakfast, which is included in the price of your stay. They serve everything from fruit to pastries to cereal. Internet access is also available for a charge.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 8, 2005

Bettoja Nord Nuova Roma Hotel
3 VIA G AMENDOLA Rome, Italy
39-064-88-5441

GelateriasBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Any Gelateria"

You must visit a gelateria during your stay in Italy. Gelato is the Italian version of ice cream, and it tastes incredible. I recommend trying a different flavor every day of your stay, especially since Italy is hot, and this is a perfect cold treat to remedy that.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 8, 2005

Gelaterias
Throughout Rome Rome, Italy

Hard Rock CafeBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The Hard Rock Cafe Rome is much like ones in America. It is neat to see the little differences in the two places though. If you are in the mood for typical American cuisine, this is a good bet. The music-themed decorations add flair to the restaurant. Although a bit pricey, the restaurant has good food and great service.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 8, 2005

Hard Rock Cafe
Via Vittorio Veneto 62 a/b Rome, Italy
3 (906) 420-3051

McDonalds PantheonBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The group I spent the day with wanted to go to McDonald's for lunch. The lines were horribly long, the food was bad, and it was overpriced for McDonald's. The service was also lousy. If you are going to Italy, try some Italian cuisine, not something you can get at home any day of the week.
  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 8, 2005

McDonalds Pantheon
Piazza Della Rotunda Rome, Italy

ColosseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Inside the Colosseum
The Colosseum is a remarkable sight. This trip marked my second visit to this beautiful structure. As I stood in the Colosseum, it amazed me to think about the fact that this same structure existed in ancient times and was filled with Roman spectators for all sorts of events. It feels as though you are walking through history, almost stepping back in time as you walk through this structure. The Colosseum is definitely a sight worth visiting while in Rome. It does cost money to enter the Colosseum, but it is well worth the slight expense. If you can, find a tour guide to take you through, because you will learn so much about Roman history if you do so.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 8, 2005

Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo Rome, Italy 00184
+39 (06) 7004261

PantheonBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Pantheon
While the Pantheon is not an extremely exciting place to see, you should see it if you have the opportunity. It is a sight you can visit whenever it fits into your schedule because it is free, there is never a line, and it is a fairly quick stop. This building is round and has a hole in the center of the roof to let in light, as well as rain. If given the opportunity, visit this neat location.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 8, 2005

Pantheon
Piazza della Rotonda Rome, Italy 00186
+39 0668300230

Roman ForumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Roman Forum"

Ruins
The Roman Forum is another free historical sight in Rome. It was the center of Rome in ancient times, where much of the hustle-and-bustle of daily life took place. When you visit the Forum, you can walk through the ruins of what was once the great Roman Empire. The remains are breathtaking and show a great deal about ancient Roman architecture. A guided tour through this site is helpful for those who do not possess an in-depth knowledge of Roman history. If you go to Rome, do NOT miss this location!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 8, 2005

Roman Forum
Largo Romolo e Remo Rome, Italy 00186
+39 066990110

Arco di CostantinoBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Arch of Constantine"

Constantine's Arch
The Arch of Constantine is an arch near the Forum. It is a quick sight, but one worth seeing from a historical point of view.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 8, 2005

Arco di Costantino
Via San Gregorio Rome, Italy 00184

VaticanBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Vatican Museum"

Pope
The Vatican Museum is amazing. It has a huge variety of works. I am not Catholic, and I think this museum can be enjoyed by people of all religions. If you have the opportunity, visit this museum!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 13, 2005

Vatican
Vatican City Rome, Italy

VaticanBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Vatican City"

Vatican City
Vatican City is a quaint experience in itself. The smallest sovereign state in the world, the Vatican even has its own post office. All that work in Vatican City must be good Catholics. I enjoyed seeing such a unique little place. If you go through the museum, plan on taking 3 to 4 hours in Vatican City. If you just look around, an hour or two is plenty.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 14, 2005

Vatican
Vatican City Rome, Italy

PompeiiBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Center of Pompeii
Visiting Pompeii is like walking down a street and suddenly making a leap backward in time. As you walk down its stone streets, everything is preserved remarkably well due to being buried under volacnic ash. If it weren't for the lack of ancient Roman attire, it feels like you could be walking amongst the Romans. My favorite sights of Pompeii include the bathouse, amphitheater, town center, and the plaster casts of the bodies. Another thing I found interesting about Pompeii is that even back then, brothels existed. In its prime, Pompeii was a city on the water and a major trading location. Therefore, brothels were popular. To overcome language barriers, there were images painted inside the brothel, and the men who didn't speak the native language could point at what service they wanted. I found it interesting to see how far back prostitution runs.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 21, 2005

Pompeii
Between Naploi and Sorrento Rome, Italy

Trevi FountainBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Fountains of Rome - Trevi Fountain"

Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is positively breathtaking. When I first saw it, I felt overwhelmed by both its size and beauty. It consists of carefully carved horses, gods, goddesses, and ledges that add a small waterfall to the fountain. The water in the fountain is a spectacular shade of blue, almost as if the water is dyed. This is a very popular spot, and once you have seen it, you’ll understand why it is such a hot spot.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 23, 2005

Trevi Fountain
Piazza di Trevi Rome, Italy 00187

Sistine ChapelBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Wow. Amazing. Beautiful. What other words can be used to describe the Sistine Chapel? Its beauty is something that words simply cannot express. Actually seeing Michelangelo's famous masterpiece is an incredible experience. I have been blessed with the luck of seeing this sight twice now, and would still return for another chance to glimpse at it beauty. Although extremely crowded, the Sistine Chapel is nice and quiet, as per its rules. Also, photographs are not allowed, which is why none accompany this entry. Being in the Sistine Chapel is such a clarifying experience in that no matter your religion, you can feel a connection to a higher power, whatever you consider that to be. This is a must-see for anyone who visits Rome.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by leopardgrrrl88 on July 28, 2005

Sistine Chapel
Vatican Palace Rome, Italy
+39 (06) 8530 1758

About the Writer

leopardgrrrl88
leopardgrrrl88
Kent, Ohio

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